888-654-1785
Call For A Quote

Car Transport in Athens GA

transportation checkboxesAnswers To Your Questions
Friendly straight forward advice

Do you have questions such as what size auto carrier do I need or how much does this cost? Call us now to get all of your questions answered.

transportation checkboxes

Affordable Prices
Competitive pricing with no hidden fees

Unlike other vehicle shipping companies in Athens, we never charge hidden fees. Our pricing includes everything that you will need to transport your vehicle from point A to point B – all at extremely competitive rates.

transportation checkboxes

Dependable Service
On time delivery and pickup

Don’t settle for slow response or late deliveries. For over 10 years we have shipped vehicles on time, when and where our customers need them. Call today to see why we’re the best budget auto transport company in Athens, GA.

Have questions, need a quote, or want to schedule a transport – just give us a call at (888) 654-1785

picture of auto transporter in Athens, GA

Auto transport enterprises exist for the sake of convenience. Instead of moving their vehicles long distances on their own, people hire auto transporters to safely transfer their vehicles at an inexpensive price and in a safe environment. However, if you’re not familiar with the auto carrier practice, then the task of selecting the ideal hauler and options may seem difficult. In this article we’ll evaluate the alternatives and information that will help prepare you find the ideal auto transport carrier in Athens. The majority of auto haulers will offer transportation solutions anywhere in the country from America, from Alaska to Hawaii and will give you with several shipping options. Usually you’ll have the option of whether to ship your car in an enclosed or open manner. But first, we’ll discuss the difference between an auto transport broker and an actual carrier who moves the vehicles.

How an Auto Broker is Distinct From an Auto Carrier in Athens

Before selecting an car hauling service you should have a fundamental understanding of the industry and how it works. It may seem like a challenging process, but we’ll help make it less complicated for everyone. We’ll cover the fundamentals of auto shipping as well as the role that car carriers and auto brokers play in supplying consumers with transport services.

How do Auto Transport Brokers Work?

An auto shipping broker is a service that will connect customers to the most effective auto shipper for their requirements. For instance, when you call a broker, you will be paying them the total cost for transporting your automobile from point A to point B. However, they will not actually perform the shipping themselves, as they don’t own the trucks that are used in the shipping process. They will make contact with a variety of Athens auto shippers and use one of those auto transport providers to ship your car or other vehicle. After the job is passed on to the carrier, the broker will stay in contact with the purchaser until the vehicle is delivered. Basically, an auto transport broker acts as an intermediary between the customer and the auto transporters that can make contact with many companies in order to find the best service for the shipper.

Locating the Best Auto Hauler

A vehicle hauling carrier is usually a double deck truck that can load up to ten automobiles at a time. It is driven by a professional CDL driver trained in loading, unloading and transporting vehicles. The driver may be the owner of the auto transport truck who decides on their routes to provide the most productive service. The truck driver is the individual who is actually responsible for picking up and delivering your vehicle. Sometimes a carrier may also act as a broker, so if they’re unable to transport your vehicle, then they will find a different driver who can do the work. So even if you think you’re interacting directly with an auto carrier, you might be choosing a different carrier service in the end. Normally you’d think dealing directly with a carrier means you’ll get a better price, but that’s not necessarily the case when it comes to auto carriers in Athens. On the other hand, a broker already has established a network of carriers, so they can search multiple options to find the best choice for their customers.

Steps to Take Before Transporting Your Vehicle

Take any personal items out of your vehicle.

Every Athens auto carrier is forbidden from transporting anything that would be considered a “household item” due to polices from the Department of Transportation. This means you should remove anything that would be considered a “household good” from your motor vehicle before it is picked up by an auto transport service. Some common items that should be removed from your vehicle include car seats, umbrellas and clothing.

Leave a quarter of a tank of fuel in your gas tank.

You should always ensure that there is always about a quarter tank of gas left in your vehicle when shipping. Your Athens auto carrier will likely have to drive the vehicle on and off the truck during the shipping process, and since it will be at a sharp angle it’s a good plan to keep at least a quarter tank of gas in it. But, you don’t want to overfill your tank or leave your vehicle with a full tank of fuel during transporting. A full tank would add a great deal of weight to your vehicle, which could result in problems during the shipping process.

Take note of any existing damage on your car.

In order to record the condition of your vehicle before turning it over to a Athens auto carrier, it’s a good idea to take pictures of any scratches, dents, dings or other damage present before to shipping. The best way to do this is by thoroughly washing your car first so it will be simpler to recognize any dents or damage. Then, take pictures using your phone or camera to document the condition of your car, even if its body doesn’t have any damage. Using this method you have records of its condition in the event any incidents arise during the vehicle transport process.

Learning about your Bill of Lading.

The client will be provided with what’s called a “Bill of Lading” once your Athens auto transport gets there to retrieve your car. This contract is an acknowledgment form that proves the auto carrier is picking up your car for transport. It will also outline any present damage on your vehicle including dents, scratches or dings. Both the car’s owner and the driver of the auto transport truck should do a walk-around of the car and concur on any damage that is already present. This way, both parties identify existing damage and can compare that report to a subsequent examination after the vehicle is delivered to its final destination. When your current vehicle shows up at its new location, the customer will be provided with another Bill of Lading verifying the delivery and turning over the car back to the owner.

Evaluate your insurance coverage opportunities.

Inquire about your auto transport carrier’s insurance liability coverage before shipping, which every carrier should already have. Any Athens car hauler should already have liability insurance, which is incorporated into the total cost of your shipping. The total insurance coverage typically ranges between ,000 and 0,000. Auto shippers will utilize a third-party insurer and should not cost extra, but rather it should be included in the rate that you’re already paying to ship your vehicle. Sometimes, your insurance company offers this type of coverage on your vehicle as well, so you can always check your policy prior to shipping.

Make Sure You Select the Correct Car Shipping Firm in Athens

To ensure you’re getting the best car shipping provider in Athens there are a few details you should collect regarding your auto transport company. Customers should only do business with transporters who are licensed, bonded and insured. You can also get their MC number or USDOT number to check their reports with the BBB (Better Business Bureau). Also, take the time to review the terms and conditions so that you’re familiar with how the service works. It’s also a good idea to read any third-party critiques of the company to see what past customers are saying.

Main difference Between Open Transport & Enclosed Carriers in Athens

Athens auto transport companies make it possible to have your car shipped to practically any major city in the United States, but how the vehicles are actually transported depends on the services provided by the car shipping company. You’ll have the option to choose between an open-air carrier or an enclosed trailer, both of which are generally transported via a tractor trailer rig. While both approaches use a truck for transport, they do have their differences.

When a car shipping firm says it uses open-air trucks, it uses the type of car carrier that most people relate to car transportation. Open air auto carriers will feature two rows of cars, one on top and one on bottom, and are usually around 75 feet in length. Your vehicle will be open to the elements at all times, just as it would if you were driving your car, so that is something to take into consideration based upon on the value of the motor vehicle you’re shipping.

Deciding on The Right Auto Transport Service in Athens

Always think about how much safety and security your vehicle or vehicles will need throughout the transport process. Using an open transport is suitable, and almost always cheaper, if you’re shipping a standard vehicle that would normally be exposed to the outdoors on a daily basis anyways. Antique, classic cars and collector’s cars that are specifically kept in protected conditions would benefit the most from an enclosed shipping method. As a customer, it’s a good plan to get several quotes from Athens auto transporters. This way you’ll understand the general prices, but the lowest priced is not always the best choice. By performing some study on the auto transport industry and the companies you’re planning on working with, you can make sure you’re getting the greatest deal. When you ultimately make your decision, you’ll be comfortable that your vehicle is being transported properly and securely to its final location.